Celtic Renewables has partnered with global specialty chemicals company Evonik to help transform the cosmetics industry with a new generation of low-carbon, sustainable ingredients.

 

The collaboration will see Evonik use Celtic Renewables’ innovative bio-butanol — produced from locally sourced waste materials including whisky pot ale and rejected potatoes at its Scottish biorefinery — to manufacture ECOHANCE Soft BOL, a sustainable emollient designed for cosmetics and personal care products.

 

The partnership comes as the beauty industry faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining the high performance consumers expect from everyday products.

 

As brands seek ingredients that combine functionality with sustainability, waste-derived feedstocks are emerging as a powerful solution — offering both measurable environmental benefits and a compelling connection between raw materials and finished products.

 

From whisky by-products and potatoes to other agricultural waste streams, Celtic Renewables’ technology demonstrates how science and circular economy innovation can unlock new possibilities for sustainable cosmetics.

 

Bettina Brierly, Chief Commercial Officer at Celtic Renewables, said, “The cosmetics sector faces an immense challenge reducing its Scope 3 emissions.

 

“Currently, fossil-based chemicals are used in a range of cosmetic applications, with everything from face creams to lip gloss including them as active ingredients in the manufacturing process.

 

"By switching to bio-based alternatives, the emissions of these everyday cosmetics can be cut by up to 60%, without consumers having to change their purchasing habits and with very little impact on the manufacturing process.

 

“Partnerships like the one we have with Evonik are critical for accelerating the cosmetic industry’s transition to a more sustainable model. They’re true first movers in the space, and those who slow on the uptake of bio-based chemicals will be left struggling to transition.”

 

Wolfgang Goertz, Vice President Cosmetic Solutions at Evonik, added: “The butanol we get from Celtic Renewables fits perfectly with what we need. Our customers really appreciate the cosmetic emollient that we make with this raw material – we are able to achieve great sensory, texture and touch.”

 

Evonik’s approach extends beyond reducing carbon emissions, focusing on greater transparency across the supply chain — from the origin of raw materials through to the final cosmetic product.